With its sleek design and cutting-edge technology, the most recent Mercedes-Benz CLA is available in both EV and hybrid version. The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA, the German automaker’s entry-level vehicle that will also be its most sophisticated EV, was just unveiled.
Those who remember the 2023 concept unveiling of the CLA will be happy to hear that its sleek curves made it into production. A lightbar that runs the length of the vehicle connects the two headlights up front, and the faux-grille is composed of illuminated stars that resemble the Mercedes-Benz logo, which is also illuminated. Anyone who sees the CLA’s front end will be able to identify the brand thanks to the optional Multibeam LED headlights’ three-pointed star-shaped DRLs.
With 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, a distinctive front bumper featuring air intakes and a chrome splitter, and a unique rear bumper, the AMG Line is the sportier version. The standard leather steering wheel in the AMG Line’s cabin is replaced with a leather “super-sports” steering wheel that has a flattened bottom, sports seats with MB-Tex/microfiber upholstery, and AMG sports pedals made of brushed stainless steel with black rubber studs. The door panels also have red contrast stitching.
Not sporty enough yet? AMG Performance Elements such as a high-gloss black rear spoiler, illuminated high-gloss black door sills, 19-inch alloy wheels, Red MANUFAKTUR seat belts, and the Night Package, which blacks out exterior trim elements, are available on the AMG Line Plus.
The German luxury continues inside
The interior is the glorious mix of opulence and technology you would expect from a new Mercedes-Benz. The CLA dashboard can house up to three screens that together make up what Mercedes calls a “Superscreen.” Not only do they span the width of the car, but the CLA is the first to fully use MB.OS, the automaker’s own operating system, and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine.
A 14-inch center touchscreen and a 10.3-inch instrument display are provided to the driver, while a 14-inch screen is provided for the passenger’s entertainment. Mercedes-Benz will provide streaming services from Sony’s RIDEVU, which offers video games and movies, and Disney+. Boosteroid, a cloud gaming provider, enables the latter, which can be used with a smartphone or a Bluetooth gaming controller. When parked, games can be seen on the center screen; when driving, they can be seen on the passenger screen.
The 16-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound System, which has an 850-watt amplifier and Dolby Atmos technology, can produce all of this.
Unfortunately, the new CLA lacks intuitive controls
Of course, since it’s a contemporary luxury car with a touch screen, common sense features like buttons for frequently used functions have been removed. For instance, the volume slider no longer has mute; instead, it now has its own function at the top of the right switch panel. Additionally, the volume can only be changed using a touch slider or a touch-sensitive button on the steering wheel.
Of course, AI has to find its way into the CLA and it does so via the MBUX Virtual Assistant. This AI companion is based on ChatGTP4o, uses Google Gemini for navigation questions and charge planning, but weirdly relies on Microsoft Bing for searches. Mercedes-Benz also claims that the MBUX Virtual Assistant can recognize the speaker’s emotions during conversation and “respond accordingly.” That can’t be cheaper than therapy.
Numerous interior customization options will be available from Mercedes-Benz.
A floating center console in the center is divided between a wireless charger option and a double cup holder. For stargazing and other related activities, the panoramic glass roof above is coated to block UV rays from the California sun. Like more expensive luxury barges, owners can select from a wide range of upholstery colors and trim materials. Anodized aluminum, brushed aluminum, natural grain wood, and a novel paper-based substance called “Natural Fiber Zen,” which is made of cellulose and hemp fibers, are all options for finishing the trim.
Seat colors include two-tone black and white, two-tone black and red, brown, black, and black with lime green accents. The seats will be finished in leather or MB-Tex/microfiber, depending on the color scheme you have in mind.
In terms of power and range, the new CLA is no slouch.
In terms of power, the new CLA has an 800-volt architecture that can charge at up to 320 kW. Graphite and silicon oxide are combined in the 85.0-kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery to increase density by 20% and reduce carbon emissions by 30%. Whether you choose the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology or the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology will determine the power output. While the latter goes above and beyond with 349 horsepower via a two-speed transmission, the former can only produce up to 268 horsepower. According to reports, the CLA 250+ has a range of 792 kilometers (492 miles).
A 107-hp front motor that only turns on when more power is required is the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology’s party trick. When not in use, the corresponding Disconnect Unit (DCU) can decouple the front motor, resulting in a 90 percent reduction in parasitic drag. That version can also reach 60 mph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds.
There will soon be a hybrid CLA.
Mercedes-Benz also offers hybrid vehicles if that’s your preference. A 1.5-liter Miller-cycle four-cylinder transverse turbocharged engine, designed by the carmaker but supplied by Geely, will power an upcoming hybrid CLA. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission will transfer power from that engine to a 27-hp electric motor that is connected to an inverter and a 1.3-kWh 48-volt battery. There will also be powertrain options with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. According to reports, the hybrid CLA will be able to coast at up to 60 mph on electricity alone and recover up to 25 kW of energy in all four gears.
Final thoughts
When it comes to the identity of their new models, Mercedes-Benz is obviously not playing around. In addition to being distinctly Mercedes, the new CLA carries on the brand’s legacy of luxury and strength.
Yes, it has fewer buttons and more screens, but whether that is a good thing or not, that is just the way contemporary luxury cars are. The addition of a hybrid, which guarantees that the CLA can appeal to as wide an audience as possible, is arguably the best news here.
Later this year, the all-electric 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology are anticipated to reach American dealerships.
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